Margin Of Safety - GCSE Geography Definition

In GCSE Geography, the term 'Margin of Safety' refers to the amount of extra space or resources available to handle unexpected events, like natural disasters, without causing serious problems. It is the buffer zone that helps protect people and the environment from the negative effects of things like flooding, earthquakes, or landslides. For example, if a river has a high margin of safety, it means there is enough extra space in the riverbanks to hold more water during heavy rain, reducing the risk of flooding in nearby areas. This concept is important in managing risks to keep communities safe.